Agoranov2027 deadline, funding, equity and how to apply
Non-profit science and tech incubator in Paris since 2000, backed by PSL, Sorbonne and Inria. Incubated Doctolib, Dataiku, Criteo, Alan and Shift Technology.
- No cash investment
- Funding
- No equity
- Equity
- Not published
- Program length
- Rolling
- Applications
About Agoranov
Agoranov is a non-profit incubator for science and technology startups in Paris. It was founded in 2000 by academic institutions including Sorbonne Universite, Paris Dauphine, ENS and ParisTech, with Inria joining later. Supporters listed today include PSL, Telecom Paris, ESPCI Paris, the French research ministry, the Ile-de-France region and the City of Paris.
It is an incubator, not an accelerator fund. It takes no equity and does not invest. Agoranov has one of the strongest track records in France.
A City of Paris document says it had incubated 534 projects by the end of 2023, including five unicorns: Doctolib, Dataiku, Criteo, Alan and Shift Technology. Its site also cites exits such as Niland, bought by Spotify, and Less, bought by BlaBlaCar. The incubator works across three verticals: Industry and Greentech, Digital, and Health.
It also has a dedicated account manager for Energy and SpaceTech. Startups get a dedicated account manager, access to 2,300 m2 of space at 96 bis boulevard Raspail, an acceleration program of workshops and office hours, and a community of 1,000+ alumni founders. The space includes private offices, open space, private dry and wet labs and a cold room, which is rare for a Paris incubator.
Agoranov also runs a Young Entrepreneurs in Residence program. Since 2004, 40 graduates have joined the team for 6 to 12 months.
What Agoranov looks for
Agoranov backs innovative company creation projects rooted in science and technology. Fits fall into Industry and Greentech, Digital, Health, or Energy and SpaceTech. Many founders come from research labs and schools in its network, such as PSL, Sorbonne Universite, Inria, Telecom Paris and ESPCI. The assessment looks at both the economics and the technology, so a credible technical edge and a market case both matter. Projects needing lab space are a strong match.
How the Agoranov program works
Once selected, each startup signs an incubation agreement with Agoranov and is assigned an account manager in its vertical. That person is the main contact and connects the team to the rest of the staff. The acceleration program runs alongside.
It includes workshops and office hours led by outside experts, industry partners and alumni, plus networking events. Startups can take turnkey space in the 2,300 m2 building on boulevard Raspail: private offices, open space, private dry and wet labs, a climate-controlled cold room, two fume hoods and meeting rooms. Agoranov also helps with public research links and introductions to French and European investors.
Incubation length and fees are not published on the site, so ask your account manager during selection.
How to apply to Agoranov
- 1Fill in the confidential project questionnaire linked from agoranov.com/candidater.
- 2The Agoranov team contacts you. If eligible, your project goes through an economic and technological assessment.
- 3Present your project to the Expert Committee, which sends a recommendation to the Selection Committee.
- 4Your account manager tells you the Selection Committee's decision.
- 5If accepted, sign the incubation agreement and move into the program.
Startup perks after acceptance
Accelerator startups qualify for most startup credit programs. These are the ones founders claim first.
Notable Agoranov alumni
Companies that went through or were backed by Agoranov.
Agoranov vs similar accelerators
| Program | Funding | Equity | Location | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Agoranov | No cash investment | No equity | Paris | Rolling admissions |
| WILCO | Up to $173K | No equity | Paris | Next deadline not announced yet |
| Paris&Co | No cash investment | No equity | Paris | Rolling admissions |
| Schoolab | No cash investment | No equity | Paris | Next deadline not announced yet |
| Creative Destruction Lab | No cash investment | No equity | 17 sites including Toronto, Montreal, Vancouver, Seattle, London, Paris, Berlin, Melbourne | Next deadline not announced yet |
| Station F Fighters Program | No cash investment | No equity | Paris | Next deadline not announced yet |
Agoranov FAQ
When is the Agoranov application deadline?+
Agoranov reviews applications on a rolling basis, so you can apply at any time.
Does Agoranov take equity?+
No. Agoranov is a non-profit association funded by public bodies and academic partners, and it does not invest or take equity. Startups sign an incubation agreement. Fees are not published on its website, so ask the team at courrier@agoranov.com or during the selection process.
Which famous startups came out of Agoranov?+
A City of Paris document says Agoranov incubated five unicorns by the end of 2023: Doctolib, Dataiku, Criteo, Alan and Shift Technology. Agoranov's own site also names Niland, later bought by Spotify, Less, bought by BlaBlaCar, plus Exeliom Biosciences and Woodoo.
Does Agoranov have lab space?+
Yes. Agoranov offers about 2,300 m2 of space at 96 bis boulevard Raspail in Paris. It includes private offices, open space, private dry and wet labs, a climate-controlled cold room and two fume hoods. That makes it a practical option for health and hardware startups that need bench space early on.
Sources: agoranov.com, agoranov.com, cdn.paris.fr, solarimpulse.com, altar.io